Adaptive skills are the practical, everyday abilities that help children become increasingly independent in their daily lives. From a baby's first attempts to hold their bottle to a teenager managing their own laundry, these self-help skills form the foundation of personal independence and confidence. Adaptive skills encompass everything from feeding and dressing to personal hygiene, household responsibilities, and eventually the complex life management skills needed for adulthood.
These interactive milestone cards are designed to help you celebrate your child's growing independence while understanding what comes next in their developmental journey. Simply hover over or tap each card to explore the adaptive skills typically emerging at that age range. Remember, every child develops at their own unique pace, and these milestones serve as gentle guideposts rather than rigid expectations. Use them to recognize progress, identify areas where your child might benefit from extra support, and most importantly, to marvel at the remarkable journey toward independence that unfolds one small step at a time.
The developmental milestones presented in these cards are grounded in current research on child development and occupational therapy practice. These evidence-based guidelines reflect typical patterns of self-help skill acquisition while honoring the natural variation in how children grow and learn.
Beyond Boundaries. (2023). Activities of daily living: What are they & how therapy can help.
Sparrow, S. S., et al. (2016). Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition. Pearson.
Coral Care Developmental Guide. (2023). Self-care milestone development in early childhood.
Harrison, P. L., & Oakland, T. (2015). Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, Third Edition. Western Psychological Services.
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